Injury rules Tsipa out of pre-season friendly

Eddie Chikamhi Sports ReporterCAPS United veteran forward Leonard Tsipa has been ruled out of the pre-season friendly match against Zambian side Kabwe Warriors at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon following a spate of injuries that has left five players grounded.

Tsipa, left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai, Simba Nhivi, Carlton Munzabwa and Kudzai Nyamupfukudza will not be part of the cast as Makepekepe look to give their fans their first treat in a competitive match this year.

The Green Machine have been training for one month and will parade some of their new signings.

Team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya said it was still too early to make any judgment although the players were looking sharp in training.

“We had wanted all our players available for this match but it’s unfortunate those injured guys cannot make it,” said Chinogwenya.

“But we have a big squad and it’s a chance to the other players. Otherwise the team is looking sharp.”

Kabwe Warriors, under former Highlanders coach Mohamad Fathi, are touring Zimbabwe this week as part of their pre-season and they played their first match against Dynamos on Sunday and lost 2-0.

Fathi said he was looking at an improved performance from his charges against CAPS United.

Supporters will pay $3 for the rest of the ground while tickets for the VIP and VVIP sections will be going for $5 and $10.

Makepekepe have targeted winning the league championship this year.

They are also set to embark on a pre-season tour of South Africa later this month to play a couple of preparatory matches against giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Makepekepe have retained most of their key players who include Joel Ngodzo, Stephen Makatuka, Moses Muchenje, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Dominic Chungwa.

Goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda is one of the former players returning to the side alongside Pfumbidzai, Gilbert Mapemba and Tafadzwa Rusike.

Sibanda will have to compete for the starting place with another veteran Joram Muchambo and youthful goalkeeper Chris Mverechena.